Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Shredded cooked chicken: Provides the main protein and base for the filling.

Shredded cheese: Adds a creamy and melty texture to the filling.

Cumin: A spice that adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chicken mixture.

Garlic powder: Enhances the savory taste with a hint of garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the moisture of fresh onions.

Corn tortillas: The essential wrap for the taquitos, providing a traditional Mexican touch.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

Oil for frying: Necessary for frying the taquitos to a crispy, golden brown.

When preparing corn tortillas for taquitos, ensure they are sufficiently warmed to prevent cracking. A quick and effective method is to wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds. This will make them pliable and easier to roll without breaking.

• shredded cooked chicken - Substitute with shredded cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it a great alternative.

• shredded cooked chicken - Substitute with shredded cooked jackfruit: Jackfruit has a meaty texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good plant-based substitute.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with shredded vegan cheese: Vegan cheese provides a dairy-free alternative while still offering a similar texture and flavor.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with queso fresco: Queso fresco is a mild, crumbly cheese that can add a different but complementary flavor to the taquitos.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can provide a similar earthy note to the dish.

• cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a bit of heat and complexity, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other spices.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions can provide a more robust and fresh flavor compared to onion powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder offers a milder, slightly sweet onion-like flavor.

• small corn tortillas - Substitute with small flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll and fry.

• small corn tortillas - Substitute with whole wheat tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas offer a healthier alternative with a slightly nutty flavor.

• oil for frying - Substitute with baking spray: Baking spray can be used for a healthier, oven-baked version of taquitos.

• oil for frying - Substitute with air frying: Air frying uses minimal oil and can achieve a similar crispy texture without deep frying.

• Allow the chicken taquitos to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent them from sticking together.
• Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the taquitos for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm. This is known as flash freezing.
• Once the taquitos are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label the bag or container with the date for easy reference.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the taquitos in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the taquitos for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• If you prefer to use a microwave, place the taquitos on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that this method may result in less crispy taquitos.
• For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled taquitos in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• To reheat refrigerated taquitos, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
• You can also reheat refrigerated taquitos in a skillet. Heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and cook the taquitos for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the tortillas are crispy again. This method helps maintain the crunchiness of the taquitos.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is quick and keeps the taquitos crispy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the taquitos in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method is great if you want to add a little extra crunch.

• Microwave Method: Place the taquitos on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that this method may result in softer taquitos compared to other methods.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the taquitos on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy. This method is convenient for small batches.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the shredded chicken, cheese, and spices thoroughly.

• Microwave: Warm the tortillas in this to make them pliable and easier to roll.

• Skillet: Heat the oil in this to fry the taquitos until they are golden brown and crispy.

• Tongs: Use these to safely turn the taquitos while frying and to remove them from the hot oil.

• Paper towels: Drain the excess oil from the fried taquitos on these to keep them crispy.

• Plate: Place the finished taquitos on this for serving.

• Measuring spoons: Measure out the cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper accurately with these.

• Knife: If needed, use this to shred the cooked chicken.

• Cutting board: Use this as a surface for shredding the chicken.

Prepare the filling: Mix the shredded chicken and cheese with spices in advance and store in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble the taquitos when ready to cook.

Warm tortillas efficiently: Stack the corn tortillas between damp paper towels and microwave them all at once. This keeps them pliable and saves time.

Batch frying: Use a large skillet to fry multiple taquitos at once. This reduces the overall cooking time.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for the filling.